Phone (Appointments): (203) 791-0466
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About Bunions
Although bunions are a common condition, they can cause serious problems like swelling and ongoing pain that can interfere with your daily activities. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Center in Danbury, Connecticut, the team offers personalized, comprehensive care for people struggling with bunions. Led by board-certified podiatrist Paul Betschart, DPM, the practice specializes in a number of advanced treatments like 3D bunion correction. To find out which treatment is right for you, call or book your appointment online today.
Bunions Q&A
What are bunions?
A bunion is a type of deformity that typically forms on the joint at the base of your big toe. A bunion occurs when some of the bones in your foot move out of place, causing your big toe to pull toward your other toes. The bony bump that develops at the base of the toe is actually your joint sticking out.
Bunions can make it difficult to wear your normal footwear without pain and can cause symptoms like redness, swelling, and limited movement of the big toe.Who gets bunions?
A bunion can develop for a variety of reasons including genetics, previous foot injuries, and congenital deformities. In many cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Certain factors like wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels or having an underlying condition like rheumatoid arthritis can increase your chances of developing a bunion.When should I see a doctor about my bunions?
Although not all bunions require treatment, you should speak with a podiatrist if you notice changes to the structure of your foot, or if you experience problems like ongoing pain, decreased movement of the big toe, or difficulty wearing shoes.
Dr. Betschart and his team provide in-depth diagnostics and work with you to determine the best treatment for your condition.How are bunions treated?
Before recommending treatment, Dr. Betschart performs an evaluation, including a physical exam and a review of your medical history. In many cases, Dr. Betschart also performs imaging tests like an X-ray to get a detailed view of your foot structure.
After your diagnosis, you and Dr. Betschart work together to develop your treatment plan. In most cases, treatment begins with conservative methods like:
● Footwear changes● Padding● Ice
Dr. Betschart also commonly uses custom orthotics as an effective, nonsurgical treatment for bunions. He designs custom orthotics to fit your specific needs and improve the way your feet function.
If your condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, Dr. Betschart may recommend surgery. He offers Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, an innovative procedure with a 97% success rate.
Unlike traditional bunion surgery, Lapiplasty allows Dr. Betschart to permanently realign the structure of your foot and add stability to the affected toe joint. Lapiplasty allows you to bear weight on your foot immediately, allowing you to get back on your feet as soon as possible.